Can a Chiropractor Help with Dizziness and Vertigo?
Chiropractor for vertigo. You frequently find it hard to stand for long periods, avoid walking into furniture, and focus your vision on objects across the room. So you go to your doctor, and what do they tell you? Prescription medication should minimize your symptoms. But you don’t want that. You want to fix the problem!
If you’re one of the many Americans who dislike pharmaceutical solutions but don’t feel like you have any other option, it’s time to start considering your alternatives. And while you may have considered chiropractic care for back pain, you may not realize how many other conditions it can help with. Dizziness and vertigo, for example. Let’s explore that in more detail.
Are Dizziness and Vertigo the Same Thing?
Many people refer to dizziness and vertigo interchangeably. But they represent distinct experiences with different underlying causes. Dizziness is a broad term that refers to a sensation of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or a feeling of being off balance. It can manifest as a spinning or swaying sensation, blurred vision, confusion, or a floating sensation.
Vertigo, on the other hand, is a specific type of dizziness characterized by a false sense of movement, where individuals perceive their surroundings as spinning, tilting, or rocking even when they are stationary. Both conditions are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sweating, difficulty maintaining balance, and feeling unsteady on one’s feet.
How Dizziness and Vertigo Impact Everyday Life
Dizziness and vertigo can arise from many things, some harmless and others more concerning. One common cause is inner ear disorders, but dizziness and vertigo can also be caused by migraines, side effects from medication, and anxiety.
When you experience dizziness or vertigo, it can significantly impact your daily life. It may be hard to complete everyday tasks like driving or working, and it can even make you feel anxious about leaving your house or hanging out with friends. All of this can take a toll on your mental health. Plus, there's the added worry of falls and injuries, especially for older folks. The good news is that there are a few ways to manage these symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
Limitations of Traditional Approaches to Treating Dizziness and Vertigo
When dealing with dizziness and vertigo, there are a few different options. Of course, it all depends on what’s causing your symptoms in the first place. Your doctor might recommend medications like antiemetics or benzodiazepines to help with nausea and anxiety. And in more severe cases, physical therapy could be the way to go.
While traditional medical treatments can effectively manage dizziness and vertigo, they have limitations and potential side effects. For instance, medications may provide temporary relief, but they often do not address the root cause of the symptoms. Additionally, some medications come with unwanted side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, or cognitive impairment, which can further impact an individual’s daily functioning.
Given the limitations of traditional medical treatments, many people prefer to try a non-traditional vertigo treatment before taking the pharmaceutical route. Chiropractic care is a popular treatment option because dizziness and vertigo are often best treated with a whole-body approach encompassing several interconnected systems involved in balance and equilibrium, including the inner ear, nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and mental health.
Why Chiropractic Care Works So Well for Dizziness and Vertigo
Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive and drug-free approach to addressing dizziness and vertigo. Many people don’t realize that with their special training in treating musculoskeletal conditions, chiropractors for vertigo are incredibly proficient at helping patients improve balance and equilibrium. By addressing any misalignments or dysfunctions in the spine, chiropractic care can restore proper nervous system function and alleviate symptoms related to dizziness and vertigo.
The spine houses and protects the spinal cord, an integral part of the nervous system. The nervous system carries vital signals between the brain and the body, including those responsible for maintaining balance and equilibrium. Any misalignments or suboptimal movement in the spine can disrupt the proper functioning of the nervous system, leading to dizziness and vertigo, among other complications.
There are several chiropractic techniques that address dizziness and vertigo, including:
- The Gonstead technique focuses on thorough examination and specific adjustments to restore proper alignment and function.
- The Activator Method utilizes a handheld instrument to deliver precise and gentle adjustments.
- The Diversified technique involves manual adjustments targeting misalignments in the spine.
Another reason that chiropractic care for dizziness and vertigo is so effective is because treatment plans are carefully tailored to each individual’s unique situation. Vertigo chiropractors typically begin with an in-depth consultation and evaluation that covers everything from medical history to diagnostic X-rays. Based on this evaluation, a chiropractor can create an individualized treatment plan that addresses the patient's specific needs. This approach ensures that the treatment is targeted and focuses on restoring proper alignment and function in the spine, as well as promoting overall balance and well-being.
Chiropractic Treatments in Maple Grove for Dizziness and Vertigo
If you’re struggling with frequent dizziness or vertigo, it’s worth considering a chiropractic consultation. Research has shown that although it’s broadly effective, older patients and those with head or neck trauma experienced the best results from chiropractic vertigo treatments.
In the Maple Grove area, Dr. Tieri of Total Spine Health and Injury Center is one of the best chiropractors around (according to Minnesota Monthly!). Treatment is affordable, even if you don’t have insurance, and new patients are always welcome. Schedule your consultation appointment today!